A Home Away From Home (An Original Story)

A Beginning

 Six year old Candy sat calmly, watching her Grandfather doing combat practice. There was a slight breeze pushing around her dark brown hair. Her grey-blue eyes following each of her grandfather's sword strokes. Candy was beginning to get bored, so she began to look down towards her lap. Her mother noticed. "Candy! Pay close attention! This is important for your future!" Her mother scolded. She was to begin her own combat lessons here in the next few days. She and her younger sister, Zekkla, were not very fond of the idea. After all, they are inseparable, and if it was not for Zekkla's jet black hair, they would look near identical. Even though they were two years apart. Four year old Zekkla looked up to her older sibling, and hated it very much when they were separated. Candy nodded, and looked up. She did not quite get why this was important to learn. Swords were just sharp and scary... weren they not?
  No. Candy learned around the age of twelve just how much she loved it. The sword felt right in her hands, somehow. It is a very strange sensation. One of excitement, adrenaline, apprehension, and tranquility. Those who have never truly wielded a sword could never purely feel this sensation, Candy knew, and she was glad that her family had dragged her into this lifestyle.
  And I used to think this was a horrid idea? Ha! Look at me now! I'm the most powerful swordswoman in town! Sixteen year old Candy thinks to herself. She was sitting on a swing beside her, now fourteen year old, sister. Zekkla did not mind Candy's daydreaming, for she did it as well. It was a simple, calming exercise. She had other things to think about, such as what 'special' thing her grandfather was planning for her sibling. Is he going to separate us again? Zekkla thought worriedly. Even though she was a teenager, Zekkla's hatred toward separation between the two stayed strong, and she would do everything in her power to keep what little time they had together alive. She would not put up with being separated for much longer...
  "My Granddaughters! There you are!" The girls' grandfather announced as her walked up to them.
  "Hello, Grandfather. How are you doing this nice afternoon?" Candy asked in her formal tone. She had been taught to talk that way out in public, but once you knew her well, she would talk like a normal kid again. Zekkla was one of the very few who heard that side of her, however.
  "Hi, Grandfather!" Zekkla greeted him happily. Although many would guess otherwise, Zekkla did not resent her grandfather. She loved him oh, so dearly.
  "I am doing well. Now, Zekkla, may I borrow your sister for a few minutes? I must ask her something," Their grandfather asked, though they both knew this was more of a polite command.
  "Sure. See ya in a bit, Sweets!" Zekkla said to her older sister.
  Candy smiled softly at her. Zekkla was the only one allowed to call her that anymore. Their father was never home anymore, and he was the only other one she allowed to call her that. "See you then, Zekky." Candy's grandfather pulled her aside. This was obviously on the more... confidential side of things. "So? What is all the fuss about? Why so confidential?"
  Her grandfather had a look of guarded surprise, "I still find it intriguing how quickly you read into situations." He takes a brief pause, as if giving the young girl time to speak, though she knew better. "Now, I have a proposal for you. I will not give you all of the details now, but know this will be a very high responsibility." He had this gleam in his eye... Candy could not place her finger on it at that moment.
  "Alright, what is this 'proposal'?" The brown haired girl inquired.
  "There are two people I would like for you to work with. You will be in charge of your group, if you agree, which is why I said there is great responsibility. I am only asking for your consent due to the possibility of long separation from your family, including your younger sister. You and your team would be staying in my secluded cabin in the woods, and would not come back until you have gotten used to each other and your strategies," He explains.
  Away from Zekkla...? Candy thinks to herself, For that long? How... How would that affect our relationship? I have never been away from her for that long... "I... I am not sure. I would have to consult Zekkla-" Candy gets cut off.
  "No. You must make this decision yourself. This will be the only way to further strengthen your skills. This choice is yours alone. If it is of any consolation, I can give you until tomorrow to give me an answer. Go ahead and sleep on it. Come to my home when you have your decision," Her grandfather instructs.
  Candy has an obvious feeling of uncertainty and indecision, "O-Okay... I will think about it... I cannot say anything to Zekkla about it?"
  "Unfortunately, you may not. We both know she would disagree with it."
  "I... Okay. I won't say anything, but I cannot promise she will not notice something is wrong."
  "Do you think you will be able to hide your uncertainty?"
  "I can try."
  "That is all I ask of you, Grandaughter. Now, I must be going. I will see you tomorrow."
  "Goodbye, Grandfather."
  After saying their 'goodbye's, Candy walked back over to the swing her sister and she had been on minutes earlier. Zekkla had already gone home, so Candy decided to head in that direction. Hah... Getting to sleep will be fun tonight...

~ Later That Night ~

Zekkla and Candy were in their shared bedroom doing whatever they normally did. Candy was reading a book series her father had mentioned years ago, while Zekkla was fixing one of Candy's old jackets. Candy looks away from her book and over to her sister, "You know you don't have to do that for me, right Zekky?"
  "Yeah, yeah. I can do what I want," She replies and points the needle at her sister. "Would you rather this needle be in your arm?"
  Candy laughs, "No, that would be unpleasant."
  "No dip, Sherlock. It's a needle, it hurts."
  "Psh, I swordfight, Zekkla. I think I'd be fine getting stabbed by a need- Ow!" Candy exclaims as Zekkla stabs her arm with the needle. When Candy looks up to her sister, she seems unamused... Until she bursts out laughing. Zekkla does her best to keep a straight face, but ends up failing as badly as Candy.
  A few moments later, their mother walks into the room, "It is time for bed, girls. Get your pajamas on and get some sleep!"
  "Yes, Mother," The girls say in unison.
 "Goodnight, my loves," She says, as she exits the room.
  "Goodnight, Mom," They say quietly.
  As Candy lays down on her bed, she remembers the very difficult choice she's about to make, having to leave her sister behind for a while... She's worried how this will end up-. "Hey, Candy? You okay over there? You seem uneasy," Zekkla asks.

  Crap... "Y-Yeah, Zekky, I'm fine. Now, get some rest. Love you," Candy replies evenly.
  "If you're sure... Night, Sweets. Love ya."

~ The Next Day ~

  Candy had already left the house and said goodbye to her mother and sister. She was approaching her grandfather's house. She had her answer for him. As she approached the door, she realized how heavy the atmosphere was getting. She really didn't want to do this. She knocked on the door, which is immediately opened by her grandmother. "Oh, hello, dear. How are you doing? What brings you here?" Her grandmother questions.
  "Oh, I am here to see Grandfather. Is he home? It is slightly urgent," Candy replies.
  "Ah, yes," She replies in a lower tone, "Is this about you leaving to meet the other two? He is right upstairs in his study," Her grandmother replies.
  "Thank you, Grandma! See you later!" Candy calls as she runs up the stairs.
  "You are welcome, dear!" She calls back.
  Candy quickly runs into her Grandfather's study. He's sitting at his desk, hunched over some paperwork. It takes hims a moment to notice her presence, but once he does, he quickly turns around to greet her, "Hello, Granddaughter. Have you gotten your answer for me?" He inquires.
  "Y-Yes, Grandfather. I-I do..." She replies sadly.
  "So? What have you decided?"
  "I... I..." She glances down at the jacket Zekkla had fixed for her last night. I am so sorry... "I'll do it. I'll go with you."
  "Excellent! Now, child, you must go home and pack clothes and other belongings you may need. Do not worry over food or necessities like it. The cabin is stocked with what you three will need," Her grandfather commands.
  "Okay. I will see you around 15:00 (3:00), then."
  "I will see you then, Grandaughter."

~ 15:00 ~

  "I am here, Grandfather..." Candy says sadly. When she told Zekkla she was leaving, the black haired girl completely freaked out. She was so sad, and the brown haired felt horrible.
  "Ah. Hello, Candy! Are you prepared to meet the other two?"
  "I suppose so," She replies flatly.
  "Let us go then."
  Although Candy was upset, she definitely still enjoyed her walk through the forest. Her grey-blue orbs were full of wonder and curiosity. She loved studying the trees, the animals, the... the everything. The wind was ripping her dark brown hair everywhere as it rose and fell. She was enjoying this comfortable and wondrous silence until her grandfather broke it.
  "Now, Candy," Her grandfather starts,"Are you ready to meet your new team?"
  "I belive so."
  "Remember, being a leader is a great responsibility. You are to tend to the other two's needs, and be sure to put their safety over yours. Their actions in battle and scenarios like it will all be put on you in some way. Are you prepared for this responsibility?"
  Candy thinks for a few moments, "Sure. No pressure, right?" She says sarcastically.
  "So be it.

                                                 A new beginning has arisen..."